Braces in Silver Spring, Md.
Braces aren’t just for crooked teeth, and they aren’t just for kids. They can help patients of all ages correct many serious and painful problems. And, if you have been considering braces, but are concerned about the discomfort or how they will look, you will be pleased to know you have other options nowadays when it comes to fixing alignment and position problems with teeth.
How do I know if I need braces?
Although wearing braces gives patients straight teeth and beautiful smiles, braces aren’t just for cosmetic purposes. They can help patients who have a “bad bite,” which can be caused by crowded or missing teeth or misaligned jaws.
They can also be used to:
- Shorten the treatment time for later corrective orthodontics;
- Encourage proper jaw growth;
- Improve how the lips close; and/or,
- Improve speech problems.
It used to be that if a patient needed braces, their only choice was the traditional metal braces that go on the front of the teeth. However, now patients can choose from different kinds of braces.
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces, although the most noticeable type of braces, are also often the least expensive orthodontic treatment. These types of braces are metal brackets that are stuck to the teeth with a special adhesive. These brackets are connected by arch wires, which are adjusted periodically. This adjustment applies pressure to the teeth and gradually moves them into position.
How long will I have to wear traditional braces?
The length of time you will have to wear braces depends on what problems you have with your teeth and your bite. The average time a patient has to wear braces is one to three years. Dr. Gotora will be able to give you an idea of how long you’ll have to wear braces after he examines your teeth and develops your treatment plan.
What happens after I get my braces?
Once your braces are placed, Dr. Gotora will want to carefully monitor your progress and make sure your teeth stay healthy. Your braces will also need periodic readjustment so the teeth will move correctly. You will have to come back to Stellar Dental about every month or six weeks for this adjustment, although if you have a loose bracket or a wire that is poking you, you should see Dr. Gotora right away.
Good dental hygiene habits are especially important when you have braces because food can easily get stuck in between brackets and wires. You should also avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods that might break or damage braces.
What is ClearCorrect?
If you are concerned about the inconvenience of braces as well as how they look, ClearCorrect may be for you.
ClearCorrect is a set of plastic, nearly invisible aligners, which are mouthpieces that are easily removable. The patient will have a different aligner every two to three weeks; each aligner is a little different and gradually moves teeth until they are in the correct position.
How long will I have to wear ClearCorrect?
Typically, patients wear ClearCorrect aligners for 10 to 18 months.
What happens after I start wearing ClearCorrect?
You should wear your ClearCorrect mouthpieces for at least 22 hours a day for best results. It will take some time to get used to wearing your aligner, just like it takes time to get used to any orthodontic appliance. However, most patients say that this period of adjustment doesn’t take too long.
You may feel some pressure and discomfort after you are given each new aligner, but this is a sign that the aligners are working and your teeth are moving.
You will remove your aligner when you eat and to take care of your teeth. This is why many people prefer ClearCorrect over traditional braces — they are not only next to invisible when you have your aligner in, but you can take it out to enjoy a meal and when you want to look your best for a special occasion. And because you can take it out to brush and floss your teeth, it is easier to keep teeth clean than it is with traditional braces.
Does ClearCorrect work?
It may be hard to believe that there is a way to fix teeth that doesn’t involve traditional metal braces. However, as long as you follow Dr. Gotora’s instructions and wear your aligners as much as you are instructed to, you will soon notice that your teeth are gradually moving.
Which is better: ClearCorrect or traditional braces?
Dr. Gotora will be able to tell you which would be better for you after he examines your teeth. One might be better than the other depending on what your orthodontic problems are.
If you have been considering braces, don’t wait any longer! Call Dr. Gotora at Stellar Dental and make an appointment today! The numbers are (301) 754 1900 or (301) 853 1567 and there are two convenient locations — one in Silver Spring and one in Hyattsville.
